In the dead of night, it is gloomy and raining, yet shortly before 2 am, Ons Jabeur appears on my screen, bringing the sunshine. She is early for our Zoom interview because Jabeur is unlike most sports celebrities who are ensconced in their famous bubbles, where punctuality does not appear to be a priority.
In preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne, Jabeur, who lives in the real world, is naturally humble.
She is going to enter a new dimension where she will be tested differently. Jabeur had a breakthrough year in 2022, being the first African and Arab woman to win a WTA 1000 tournament while also making history by reaching the final at Wimbledon and the US Open.
This year began with her appearing on the cover of Vogue Arabia, joining Naomi Osaka’s new agency, and, along with Novak Djokovic, leading the inaugural executive council of the Professional Tennis Players Association to reform the sport.
“I want to produce bigger things, to aid my region.”
Jabeur co-stars opposite Nick Kyrgios in the Netflix original series BreakPoint. A behind-the-scenes look at the tour may do for tennis what the same production studio did for Formula One’s popularity. How, therefore, will a lady as grounded as Jabeur deal with her growing fame? She smiles as she states, “It’s not simple.”
“It’s something you simply have to get used to, but perhaps it’s a little more difficult for me since I’m so outgoing. I can hardly say no to anyone.”
Before getting more thoughtful, Jabeur laughs. “I don’t like being arrogant. If I approach a celebrity to take a photograph or have a conversation, I hope they will respond. I wish to be the same and approachable to others.
Let’s see how things proceed following Netflix. However, who am I kidding? If someone tells me I’m incredible, I’ll take that every day.”
Jabeur traversed a solitary path during her arduous efforts to crack the top 100. The 28-year-old Tunisian has overcome numerous barriers and is therefore committed to representing African and Arab women, who continue to experience the harshest prejudice.
Jabeur faced discrimination even after becoming the first Arab woman to reach a grand slam quarterfinal at the 2020 Australian Open. Since turning professional in 2012, sponsors have just lately shown interest in her.
“I struggled financially,” she admits, “but perhaps it was for the best. It inspired me to work harder. I’m thrilled to be initiating something, and I hope that this will serve as an inspiration to other women in my region.”
Despite Tunisia’s inadequate tennis infrastructure, Jabeur predicted as a young kid that she would become a grand slam winner, and she won the French Juniors in 2011. The move to the professional circuit did not go well, however, due to the high expectations placed on her by that victory. “It has a great impact on you.
I despised traveling the globe for a considerable amount of time. It was quite challenging. If I told you I never ceased thinking [she would succeed], I would be lying. I experienced times of weakness because I am human.
She played under numerous instructors and trained in Slovakia, but Jabeur felt that neither she nor her culture was comprehended. Jabeur did not feel at ease until she joined an all-Tunisian team, which included her coach Issam Jellali and spouse Karim Kamoun, who oversees her fitness. “After 2019, I told my team, ‘I’m weary of losing in the first round. I know I can be among the top 10
Jabeur identifies the Australian Open in 2020 as a tipping point. She defeated Johanna Konta, Caroline Garcia, Caroline Wozniacki, and Wang Qiang, all of whom were ranked higher than her, but lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Sofia Kenin.
Finally, Jabeur had reached the top 50. Covid hampered her progress, although she reached two consecutive grand slam finals in the past year.
“Both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open were terrible losses for me, and I learned a lot from them. However, I always require time. After losing a few finals, I won my first WTA tournament. Perhaps the same will be true for a grand slam. I hope to keep a high level to possibly dominate the WTA tour.”
As women’s tennis progresses, Jabeur and Iga Swiatek, the world No. 1 who defeated her in the US Open final, are at the vanguard of the sport. “I believe the transition has occurred on the women’s side for quite some time, and the men’s side will inevitably follow.
Unbelievable are the Williams sisters and Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal. Now I am leading by example, as did Ash Barty. If she had played longer, she would have won twenty grand slams. However, I prefer the new WTA. It’s so fierce that you don’t know who will win, and perhaps that’s for the best. It can be tedious to always have the same final exam.
However, Swiatek remains the woman to surpass? “Without a doubt, but other competitors are very formidable, and the upcoming season will be rather exciting.” Aryna [Sabalenka] is performing quite well, as are Caroline Garcia and Jessica Pegula. Currently, we have a really difficult team.
As lower-ranked opponents improve their play against her, Jabeur will face more pressure. “Everyone wants to defeat a top-five player, so they play more aggressively against me,” she admits. “They have no downside.
I have been in a similar circumstance and it is more enjoyable. “However, maintaining a particular status is a challenge for me, and it’s not simply ego.”
Jabeur’s “goal” is to inspire women with her history and elevate the women’s game. While prize money is equal at the grand slams, some tournaments award 25% of the prizes at equivalent men’s tournaments. She feels ignorance is to blame for the disparity.
“It’s absurd that some individuals say, ‘I don’t need to watch women’s tennis. It is dull.’ However, how could you know? Women truly make far more sacrifices than men. As I am on tour, I am unable to have a baby tomorrow if I so want. This is a tremendous sacrifice made by women.
She and her husband have discussed when they may begin a family, but according to Jabeur, “all is going well in court. It’s both a blessing and a curse, but we’re patient and quite certain that [being parents] will happen one day.”
Jabeur is equally candid about the difficulties female athletes endure during their period. “You feel it at Wimbledon because you’re wearing all white,” Jabeur explains. “That doesn’t help. You are now permitted to wear black [underwear], but if you did, everyone would know.
Some women experience more pain than others, even on their backs, and I cannot count the number of times I played with the first day of my period while suffering and crying in agony. I’ve lost matches as a result.”
In the Netflix series, her intention to humanize the sport will become apparent. “I’ve seen the fourth episode in which I appear, and it’s fantastic. I enjoy revealing myself to others, and I am not scared to express my emotions. It’s a part of who I am, but more importantly, it will show people how tennis players live.”
Osaka has struggled with mental health concerns, but she just announced her pregnancy after withdrawing from the Australian Open. Jabeur joked that she is unsure if she should refer to Osaka as “boss” now that she has joined Evolve, the agency that the Japanese player founded the previous year.
She and Kyrgios are the two marquee additions, and Jabeur says, “Perhaps my profile is comparable to Naomi’s. She is Japanese. I am on the Arabic side and represent Africa and the Middle East. It’s not enough for me to have more sponsors; I also want to help players from my region reach my level of success.
In a recent homage to Jabeur, Osaka said, “When I first met her, I thought, ‘Wow, she’s the kindest person I’ve ever encountered.'” I was quite timid and could only mumble a few words, but she always approached me, made jokes, and helped me feel more at ease.”
“I comprehend the suffering Naomi has through,” adds Jabeur. “I have no idea how she managed. But I always tell other players, “If you need assistance, I’m here.” Some gamers find this peculiar. Why does she act this way? However, it stems from a pure heart. It is merely a tennis tournament; there is no danger to human life.
“Off the court, toughness is unnecessary. You only need to be courteous and cheerful because you should have as much fun as possible. On the court, I am quite different. When I shake your hand after the match, the match is over and we move on to something else. I understand why other players choose not to be like that, but my personality compels me to smile and laugh with everyone.”
When I say that Jabeur’s nickname in Tunisia, the Minister of Happiness, seems appropriate, she smiles one more time. “I take it and I adore it since it reflects my personality. I simply wish to offer joy to others.”
